Canada
Mr. Normandin (Canada) (spoke in French): At the outset, on behalf of the Gov...
Mr. Normandin (Canada) (spoke in French): At the outset, on behalf of the Government of Canada, I wish to thank the Vietnamese presidency for convening this open debate on resolution 1325 (2000). Addressing the needs of women and girls in post-conflict situations is a critical element of the Security Council's responsibilities.
As we know, the needs of women and girls in post-conflict situations are uniq...
As we know, the needs of women and girls in post-conflict situations are unique and, sadly, often overlooked. Today's adoption of resolution 1889 (2009) is a response to a significant body of research findings that reinforce what we have always known — achieving durable peace, recovery and development in post-conflict countries requires the meaningful participation of women in all aspects and at all levels of peace processes. Only a strong and sustained voice will allow women in post-conflict environments to transcend the status of victim and become empowered as agents of positive change. We call on the Security Council to ensure that their voices are heard loud and clear.
In particular, Canada would like to draw the Council's attention to the parti...
In particular, Canada would like to draw the Council's attention to the participation of women in peace processes and to a study by the United Nations Development Fund for Women, which has already been referred to today, concluding that the participation of women in negotiating delegations to peace talks has averaged approximately 7 per cent. Member States, the Secretariat and international peace mediators collectively share the responsibility to ensure that this number increases and that we systematically include women in all peace processes, formal and informal. Canada sincerely hopes that the Security Council and the Secretariat will ensure that this becomes a standard practice.
Canada co-sponsored both resolutions 1820 (2008) and 1888 (2009) on sexual vi...
Canada co-sponsored both resolutions 1820 (2008) and 1888 (2009) on sexual violence in conflict. Both resolutions elaborate on resolution 1325 (2000) by outlining a number of concrete steps to be taken to address sexual violence more systematically. Canada welcomes the call for the nomination of a special representative of the Secretary-General to provide strategic leadership and to strengthen United Nations coordination mechanisms in order to address sexual violence.
Canada also warmly welcomes the recommendations set out in the Secretary-Gene...
Canada also warmly welcomes the recommendations set out in the Secretary-General's recent report (S/2009/465) on the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). In particular, Canada would like to echo the Secretary-General's calls for an effective monitoring and accountability mechanism with respect to all aspects of resolution 1325 (2000), in particular the participation of women in peace processes.
(spoke in English) The implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) is indeed a w...
(spoke in English) The implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) is indeed a work in progress, both at a national level and at the United Nations. With the tenth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000) approaching next year, it is time to undertake a serious examination of the gains that have been made as well as those aspects of the resolution that remain unrealized.
On the positive side, there have been some remarkable accomplishments by the ...
On the positive side, there have been some remarkable accomplishments by the many dedicated actors who pursue the promotion and protection of women's and girls' rights, including the efforts of civil society organizations. On the other hand, we are still short on some institutional mechanisms and action. In this respect, the upcoming establishment of a steering committee to enhance coordination within the United Nations system ahead of the tenth anniversary of the adoption of the resolution is welcome.
Currently, there are 13 full-time gender advisers in United Nations peacekeep...
Currently, there are 13 full-time gender advisers in United Nations peacekeeping operations, including integrated missions. Every United Nations mission should have a well-trained, full-time gender adviser whose work is systematically integrated throughout the operation and who has stable resources to carry out his or her functions. By now, this should be standard practice. We also welcome the call for the appointment of women protection advisers, issued in resolution 1889 (2009), adopted earlier today.
I should like to say A few words on the peacebuilding front. The Peacebuildin...
I should like to say A few words on the peacebuilding front. The Peacebuilding Commission holds much promise for involving women and girls in designing and then operationalizing post-conflict strategies. In accordance with resolution 1820 (2008), each of the four countries currently on the agenda have strategies for engaging women in governance, security sector reform, human rights institutions and other key areas of post-conflict reconstruction. As chair of the Commission's country configuration for Sierra Leone, Canada has worked with the Government of Sierra Leone and its international partners to ensure that gender equality and the empowerment of women are core components of peacebuilding efforts in that country.
Finally, we would also like to raise the issue of bringing violators to justi...
Finally, we would also like to raise the issue of bringing violators to justice with respect to sexual violence. As we all know, this type of violence remains rampant in conflict-affected areas. Too often, these crimes go unpunished and therefore perpetuate the cycle of sexual violence. To this end, Canada reiterates the call made in resolution 1888 (2009) for a team of rapidly deployable experts on sexual violence and suggests that a United Nations justice rapid-response mechanism be considered as we move towards the implementation of this commitment.
In conclusion, a peace that lasts is a peace owned by all, including women. A...
In conclusion, a peace that lasts is a peace owned by all, including women. As we approach the tenth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000), we can acknowledge the progress made towards its implementation. We can also recognize that more must be done. Global indicators to track implementation of resolution 1325 (2000), as called for in today's resolution, will be helpful in this regard. But let us not wait further. We need to continue to act now, particularly in the field, to make the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) a reality.